Meatballs & Meatloaf

Italian Style Meatloaf

Name: Italian Style Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauce; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

By Delia Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook45 min

Total65 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made an Italian Style Meatloaf for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something hearty and comforting that wouldn't take too long to prepare. I had all the ingredients on hand, and it turned out to be a huge hit! The combination of ground beef, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce was a winner.

Since then, I've made this recipe countless times, and it's become a staple in our household. It's easy to see why - it's a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight. The best part? It's incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of sides to suit your taste.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to get your family involved in the cooking process. You can have the kids help with mixing the meatloaf mixture, or have your spouse help with shaping the loaf. It's a fun and interactive way to spend time together, and it's a great way to teach your kids about the importance of cooking and meal planning.

So, what makes this Italian Style Meatloaf so special? For starters, it's made with high-quality ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets. The ground beef is browned to perfection, which adds a rich and depthful flavor to the dish. The parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, while the marinara sauce provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, or a foodie who loves to experiment with new recipes, this Italian Style Meatloaf is sure to become a favorite. So, let's get started and see how it's made!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your family involved in the cooking process.
The Italian Style Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Italian Style Meatloaf is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the meatloaf to the right temperature. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Another important factor is to not overmix the meatloaf mixture. This can make the meatloaf dense and tough, which is not what you want. Instead, you want to mix the ingredients just until they're combined, and then stop mixing. This will help to create a tender and juicy meatloaf.

The marinara sauce is also an important component of this dish. It adds a rich and tangy flavor to the meatloaf, and it helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can use store-bought marinara sauce, or you can make your own using canned tomatoes and herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients. You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, and the rest can be easily found at your local supermarket. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh parmesan cheese and good-quality ground beef.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can afford. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. Also, be sure to read the labels and choose ingredients that are low in salt and added sugars.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef that is at least 80% lean. You can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for the best results. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to.
1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheeseChoose a high-quality parmesan cheese that is freshly grated. You can also use other hard cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other herbs like basil or oregano.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 eggUse a large egg for the best results. You can also use an egg substitute if you need to.
1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauceUse a high-quality marinara sauce that is low in salt and added sugars. You can also make your own marinara sauce using canned tomatoes and herbs.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoUse dried oregano for the best flavor. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a high-quality salt that is low in additives. You can also use sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse a high-quality black pepper that is freshly ground. You can also use white pepper or green pepper if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that is low in additives. You can also use other oils like coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometer9x5-inch loaf panCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Italian Style Meatloaf

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients just until they're combined, being careful not to overmix.
3
Add the marinara sauce to the meat mixture and mix until just combined.
4
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
5
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with dried oregano.
6
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
8
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
9
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
10
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
11
You can also serve the meatloaf with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad for a quick and easy meal.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Use a high-quality marinara sauce that is low in salt and added sugars.
Don't overcrowd the loaf pan, as this can make the meatloaf cook unevenly.
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
You can also make individual meatloaves using a muffin tin for a fun and easy meal.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find the combination that you like best.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Not cooking the meatloaf to the right internal temperature, which can make it unsafe to eat.
Not letting the meatloaf rest before slicing and serving, which can make it dry and tough.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.
Not following the recipe instructions, which can result in a meatloaf that is overcooked or undercooked.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can make it difficult to determine if the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some chopped bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Use a different type of meat, such as ground turkey or pork, for a leaner or more flavorful option.
Add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the meat mixture for a smoky flavor.
Use a different type of sauce, such as BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce, for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Make individual meatloaves using a muffin tin for a fun and easy meal.

What to Serve With Italian Style Meatloaf

Serve the Italian Style Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad for a quick and easy meal.

Some other options for serving the meatloaf include:

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesMarinara sauceGreen saladGarlic breadSauteed spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Italian Style Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, place the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

It's also a good idea to let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, as this will help to prevent bacterial growth and keep the meatloaf fresh for a longer period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of a cooked meatloaf?

The internal temperature of a cooked meatloaf should be at least 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.

How do I know if my meatloaf is cooked through?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the meatloaf and looking for a uniform color throughout.

Can I make individual meatloaves using a muffin tin?

Yes, you can make individual meatloaves using a muffin tin. Simply divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

How do I store leftover meatloaf?

You can store leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I use different types of meat in the meatloaf?

Yes, you can use different types of meat in the meatloaf, such as ground turkey or pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

What is the best way to reheat a frozen meatloaf?

The best way to reheat a frozen meatloaf is to place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.

What is the best way to serve the meatloaf?

The best way to serve the meatloaf is with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad for a quick and easy meal.

The Full Recipe

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